Richard ‘Rick’ Howard, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, succumbed to ALS after a long illness, on July 10, 2021 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 70 yrs.
Originally from Edmonton, Rick with his wife moved to Vulcan in about 2005 with a tow truck and a dream of starting his own business. Towing did not work out when he injured himself, so he turned his attention to making the Sears, Purolator, Video Store into a successful enterprise until he retired. He loved the Town of Vulcan, was a councillor for seven years and never passed up an opportunity to wear the uniform. One of his proudest moments was riding in the captains seat on the Town of Vulcan parade float in the Calgary Stampede parade. His stained glass picture of Spock still graces the window of the Trek Station.
Rick was many things; an Oilers fan, a minor hockey referee, scuba diver, volunteer and so much more. His life was full and his adventures many.
He leaves behind his wife Maureen, sons Shaun (Heather) and Drew (Kayleigh) and six grandchildren who were the light of his life, Nathaniel and Kaelynn, and Elyse, Zoe, Ben and Cole, sister Shirley (Dave) Mclean, nieces Kim (Heath) Hamilton and their daughters Shaelynn and Hannah, Shelley (Jim) Faul and their children Ariana and Darien will all miss him greatly.
Belle, Jack and Tucker stare at his chair wondering where he is. His many friends will miss his sense of humour and his willingness to help in any way he could.
The family will be hosting a casual, drop in style gathering at the Vulcan Lodge Hall on Friday, July 16 from 1 to 3 p.m.
ALS is a disease that takes our loved ones away little by little over a long period of time. It is a devastating thing for any family to go through. The ALS Society has been there for him and us every step of the way. He was and we are very grateful to them. We ask that you support the ALS Society of Alberta (7874 – 10 Street NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8W1. https://www.alsab.ca/) or your own favorite charity. Lets get some of these horrible diseases cured.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Very sorry to hear of Rick’s passing, Maureen.
I remember his dreams of a tow truck business. Will never forget how this beautiful man inspired me. Without him, Red Deer Towing Company could never have existed. You rock sir. Much respect.
Our deepest Condolences on the loss of Rick to The Family, although I personally didn’t know Rick a long time he was a big help to me when I moved to Vulcan 5 years ago,he brought his snow blower and did my driveway and sidewalk in the winter as I couldn’t do it with my COPD. My son Dwayne knew him a little better.
He is in a better place and without that horrible disease now, he is now looking down on everyone and smiling.
Val (Vulcan) Dwayne (Calgary) Roy
Sorry for your loss,deepest condolences.
Bill and Sharon Schmeelke
Sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. Hope memories of a life well lived will bring you peace at this time.
Maureen and Family,
Condolences on the passing of Rick. He was a dedicated man to his family and community!! Rick took extreme pride in being a spokesperson for the community he chose as his home. I know he will be missed by all of you and will continue to be thought of as a wonderful, caring and giving gentleman.